RUSHFORD, MN – Minnesota Housing announced that $56.6 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with Minnesota cities and counties, including $622,185.04 for Fillmore and Houston counties. Homebuyers can take advantage of these resources through the Minnesota Housing Start Up loan program, which offers fixed … [Read more...]
Chatfield Brass Band invites new members to join
The Chatfield Brass Band invites new members to join them as they begin rehearsals for the summer concert season. The band is a full concert band and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities are welcome to join. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Chatfield elementary school band room beginning February 2. When you join the Chatfield Brass Band, you will … [Read more...]
Ostrander annexation discussed
An annexation issue and planning for Police Chief Tom Mosher’s retirement were the main topic at the Ostrander city council meeting on February 7. All council members were present (Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start). The only visitor on hand to address the council was Brenda Sheldon, who said she represents the owner of … [Read more...]
Gunshot injury
On February 6, 2017, at approximately 5:05 p.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch received a call of a gunshot injury. It was reported that the victim was being transported by private conveyance to the Preston Ambulance Station. Fillmore County Deputies and Preston Police responded. The victim was a 29-year-old male Chatfield resident. It was learned that … [Read more...]
Preston discusses options to finance potential development projects
At the February 6 city council meeting funding options for a State Veterans Home and the Riverside Center projects were discussed. Both projects have been in early planning stages for some time. Councilman Robert Maust suggested that each project could cost an estimated $500,000. City Administrator Joe Hoffman asked the council to consider hiring David Drown and Associates … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to determine policing as City of Rushford ends mutual aid contract
“The meeting started with a kerplunk; well, abruptly. The City of Rushford will no longer provide police services to the City of Rushford Village or the City of Peterson,” said Rushford Village Mayor Gordon Johnson, at the Tuesday, February 7 council meeting. “I’m disappointed in the way it came about.” The City of Rushford requested a meeting last month, which was held … [Read more...]
Icy winter requires additional salt
County Engineer Ron Gregg reported at the February 7 county board meeting that more road salt has been ordered at the state price. The county is low on salt and sand due to icy conditions this season. However, it is not uncommon to run low on salt requiring a February purchase. The 500 ton order will cost $37,000. Gregg said all of the county shops have been depleted. Funds … [Read more...]
Fountain waste plant sees some compliance
It appears the City of Fountain has some reason to celebrate. After several years’ worth of frustration, issues at the waste water treatment plant may be finding some remedy. Richard Parr, Senior Project Manager for WSB & Associates presented a monthly summary to the council at the Thursday, February 2 meeting. The city has been out of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council eyes many challenges
The Wykoff City Council met on February 8 in regular session, with all members in attendance: Mary Tjepkes, Rocky Vreeman, Mayor Al Williams, Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett, and Brody Mensink. In Old Business, the council discussed deciding upon a city attorney. Tom Manion has been Wykoff’s city attorney for many years, but the council wanted to “shop around.” Mayor … [Read more...]
Harmony native chaperones musicians for Presidential Inaugural events
Karen (Whalen) Needham, of Houston, Tex., attended the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. as director of orchestra operations for Virtuosi of Houston, when a “Small Ensemble Orchestra” was invited to perform for several receptions. “When you are attending an event as an adult leader or chaperone, the event takes on an entirely different focus,” states Karen. “As a … [Read more...]